Eating With Dentures: All You Need to Know About

An Intro to Dentures

When it comes to dentures, there are plenty of different options. Depending on your preference and budget, you might opt for traditional dentures or denture implants. You can also pick between permanent dentures or removable ones. In case you’re missing only some of your teeth, partial dentures are the solution you’re looking for. Regardless of your choice or need, your dentures are always custom-made and tailored to you. Be sure to check this website if you’re looking for a high-quality restorative service.

But why can eating with dentures pose such a challenge? Well, it’s because your new teeth will be different from your natural ones. Now, they will look the same, but they won’t operate the same. Nonetheless, it’s something you can easily get used to in time. You’ll have to be patient and ready to keep practicing. 

Eating With Dentures Advice

Eating with dentures may seem hard at first. It will take some time for your facial muscles to adjust. That means chewing might feel odd at first. But we’re here to offer a helping hand, so here are some tips!. 

Eating With Dentures for the First Time

Maybe you’ve replaced your old dentures with new ones, or perhaps this is your first time wearing complete dentures. At any rate, you might be unsure what to do. Luckily, we have some tips! 

  • Take it slow – The first few days of your dentures journey are the hardest. That’s why it’s essential to take it slow and steady. Instead of eating crunchy and chewy foods, stick to liquid foods instead. 
  • Beware of hot liquids – Make sure to be extra careful when it comes to hot foods. Since your dentures will have a heatproof effect, you won’t be able to determine hot temperatures that well. So, put your drink to the test by taking a small sip or feeling it with your lips. If you feel it is safe to consume, you’re good to go!
  • Don’t keep liquids in your mouth – Holding a liquid in your mouth can cause your dentures to loosen!
  • Make sure to chew evenly – Most people have a habit of chewing their food on one side as opposed to the other. However, you might need to stray away from this habit if you wear dentures since it might cause them to loosen or fall out of place. That’s why you should make sure to chew your food slowly too. That way, your dentures will remain in place and also develop stability.
  • Avoid sticky foods – Sticky foods are more likely to get stuck between your gums and your dentures. That can lead to infection and irritation. However, you’re free to indulge in sticky foods from time to time. Just make sure to clean your dentures thoroughly afterward.
  • Avoid spicy foods – If you have sores or any other kind of irritation, spicy foods can lead to an uncomfortable burning sensation. So, be sure to check your mouth for irritation before you consume anything spicy.
  • Avoid tough foods – If you have new dentures, avoid foods that are hard to chew. Chewing them can be very difficult and can cause discomfort, so opt for easy-to-chew foods instead.
  • Cut your food into pieces – Eating small pieces of food will save you a lot of hassle, and it will also put less pressure on your gums. 

Eating With Partial Dentures

If you have the majority of your natural teeth, partial dentures can be a good way to replace the missing ones. They can be an aesthetic improvement, as well as an aid in helping you consume and digest your food. However, they can be a little hard to get used to. Eating with partial dentures isn’t the same as eating with your natural teeth. So, it can often pose a challenge. But don’t fret! Following these steps can help you! 

  • Foods you should eat – When it comes to eating with partial dentures for the first time, it’s key to know what foods you should start with. Well, the answer is soft foods. Foods that don’t require a lot of chewing will be your go-to diet while you’re still adjusting. As time goes on, you can eventually transition to eating chewy foods. 
  • Foods you shouldn’t eat – Artificial teeth aren’t as skilled at biting and chewing as your real teeth. For that reason, certain foods could pose a problem. Such as sticky foods, tough foods, chewy foods, and so on. Most of these foods can be eaten under certain conditions. Tough foods can be eaten if softened, for example. Sticky foods are okay if your dentures are properly adjusted and thoroughly cleaned afterward. Chewy foods are okay to go, but make sure you remove your partial dentures first. And so on. However, things like nuts, seeds, and chewing gum are best avoided. 
  • Maintain regular dental hygiene – Make sure to clean your dentures regularly. Foods can easily get stuck in between your dentures, so it’s best to always clean them properly. Irregular brushing can lead to inflammation and infection and can cause your natural teeth to deteriorate. 

Taking Care of Your Dentures

Taking good care of your dentures is essential. Make sure to clean them every day and remove them before doing so. Your dentures should be cleaned with a non-abrasive toothpaste or baking soda. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to carefully remove tooth particles. If you wear a partial denture, make sure to also clean your remaining teeth, as well as your gums and your tongue. When you are done with your day, put your dentures in a denture cleaning solution. 

Learning to take care of your dentures is just as important as learning how to eat with them. After all, with proper care, your dentures may last up to a decade!